Postcode lottery :(

[raspberrytipple]

I am being referred this week to the local hospital service consultant for fertility and couldn't remember his name so went on the website for the NHS trust and looked on the department write up. At the bottom under the fertility bit it just says 'we do not offer assisted conception (IVF) here'.

I know we aren't at the point of ivf yet as we don't know what's wrong but I just feel like complete crap. Does that mean I can't have it here if I need it? Will they offer anything? I really don't understand so instead of doing something productive like SWI I'm just sat here crying. Why the hell has this one sentence upset me so much? Please tell me I'm not going mad?

I would try not to worry too much, just yet, although I know that's really hard to do.

Initially, investigations are undertaken to try to establish the cause of subfertility. Depending on the outcome of these, IVF may or may not be suitable. Although IVF is the most well known treatment for infertility, it isn't always the most appropriate option.

Furthermore, if there is no established cause for subfertility, you do need to wait some time before you would qualify for IVF. I think it's two years of TTC for most PCTs if you are over 30. Less if you are over 35.

I imagine that the Consultant will undertake all the necessary investigations and depending on the outcome, will refer you for the best form of treatment. If this is IVF then I am sure they will send you to a centre that does offer this facility. I imagine your local hospital doesn't offer it because they don't have the embryology facilities.

Funding is dependent on which PCT you live in, not on where you are initially referred. Your PCT may fund investigations at your local hospital, but IVF at a specialist centre.

click here to see an interactive map that details what your PCT will fund

HTH and Good luck

Meant to add, if you check out the HFEA's website by clicking here you can enter your postcode and search for fertility clinics near to you. The HFEA's website details the treatments that each clinic offers so you can compare.

Knackered cow thank you, that's calmed me down a lot. Was very stressed yesterday and I think that sentence just pushed me over the edge. I'll have a look at the links a bit later when I'm not on my phone. I know I'm panicking unnecessarily at this point but am just so impatient now. We've been off the pill for two years now and nothing so it's getting frustrating!

I know. I'm going through IVF at the moment after two years TTC. Had a day 5 blast transfer today, so I wait with everything crossed.

I went to the doctor's after one year with no success, and then had eleven months of investigations and eventually surgery. It can feel like a very slow and frustrating process so I can see why you're panicking. Really hope you get a BFP soon. x

Gosh 11 months! I thought it would be a few weeks then a bit long wait for treatment! Guess I just have to chill out now, I'm in the system so just have to see what happens. Saw a nurse at the gp today and she said about the same as what you said in relation to ivf in my area, they probably refer to a different area as they don't hold their own facilities.

Everything crossed for you too!!